First-place in the BCHL’s Interior Division is on the line for the Penticton Vees.
Tied in points with the West Kelowna Warriors, the Vees have the advantage right now with 34 wins to the Warriors’ 33. The Vees are looking to clinch first-place with two wins against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks Friday and Saturday. A 5-1 loss to the Centennials in Merritt eliminated the SilverBacks from the post-season dance. They will look to spoil the Vees’ hopes.
The first game against the SilverBacks is in Salmon Arm, then the Vees host the second one at the South Okanagan Events Centre, Saturday at 6 p.m.
“I think we just have to play playoff hockey,” said Vees captain Brad McClure. “I think everyone has that mindset. We played a playoff style game the last time we played them and I think we’re going to do that again.”
Vees defenceman Paul Stoykewych pointed out the Vees need to be physical and fast. Stoykewych said parts of the 3-2 Vees win over the SilverBacks from Feb. 7 can be used this weekend. What stood out to him is that the SilverBacks spent little time in the Vees’ defensive end.
“Every time they crossed the blue line, they were getting bumped by our big D-men,” said Stoykewych. “Forwards were back pressuring hard. It was just a good team effort from our defensive zone and that carried into the offence.”
Vees goalie Olivier Mantha is looking for a better outing after he was pulled for the first time this season while facing the Vernon Vipers. Mantha is winless in two games against the SilverBacks and relieved Hunter Miska in another outing, stopping all six shots he faced.
“They shoot from everywhere,” said Mantha. “You need to watch for their big line of Smith, (Alex) Gillies and (Evan) Anderson. Don’t leave them spots where they can shoot.”
Vees coach Fred Harbinson said the players know what is at stake. Because of that, there shouldn’t be much he needs to say to motivate the group. “We need some guys that maybe haven’t got the job done against this team early in the year to get it done,” he said.
Cody DePourcq leads all Vees scorers with four goals and five points against the SilverBacks, while Riley Alferd has two goals and four points.
